Antibodies against gastric parietal cells and intrinsic factor

PCA - antibodies against gastric lining cells. AIF - antibodies against intrinsic factor (factor Castle's). Lining cells are the cells of the stomach responsible responsible for maintaining the acidic reaction of gastric juice and secreting the Castel factor, which is necessary for proper absorption of vitamin B12. The antibody determination is useful for diagnosing gastritis and pernicious anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.